Paste Operator in Manteno, Illinois at Urban Farmer LLC

JOB SUMMARY:

The Paste Machine Operator role is pivotal in our pizza sauce production process. This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the paste machine to ensure the consistent and high-quality production of pizza sauce. Team collaboration is essential to optimize efficiency, and the operator is accountable for keeping equipment clean and conducting routine quality checks. Accurate record-keeping and attention to detail are vital for this role, as is a commitment to safety and hygiene. Join our team and be a key player in crafting the perfect sauce for our renowned pizzas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Machine Operation: Efficiently and accurately operate the paste machine to produce pizza sauce according to recipe specifications and production schedules.
2. Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the paste machine and associated equipment to ensure hygiene and equipment longevity.
3. Ingredient Handling: Monitor and control the flow of raw materials, including tomato paste, spices, and other ingredients, to ensure a consistent production process.
4. Quality Control: Conduct regular quality checks at various stages of production to ensure the sauce meets established quality standards. Report any deviations or concerns promptly.
5. Adjustments and Troubleshooting: Make adjustments to the machine settings as needed to optimize production efficiency and maintain sauce consistency. Troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment issues.
6. Record-Keeping: Accurately record production data, including batch numbers, quantities produced, and any adjustments made during the production process.
7. Safety and Hygiene: Follow all safety guidelines, food safety regulations, and hygiene standards to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
8. Collaboration: Collaborate with other team members to ensure a smooth and efficient production process, including coordinating with ingredient handlers and other machine operators.
9. Raw Material Preparation: Assist in the preparation of raw materials, including handling, measuring, and ensuring proper storage and handling.
10. Equipment Maintenance Reporting: Report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to the supervisor to ensure timely resolution.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
2. Experience: Proven experience as a machine operator in a food manufacturing or similar setting is preferred. Experience operating paste machines is a definite asset.
3. Knowledge of Food Safety: Familiarity with food safety regulations and hygiene standards is essential.
4. Recipe Adherence: Ability to accurately read and follow recipes and production instructions to maintain product consistency.
5. Math Skills: Basic math skills for measuring and adjusting ingredients as needed.
6. Physical Stamina: Physical fitness and stamina to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds during the workday.
7. Communication Skills: Good communication skills and a team player attitude are important for collaborating effectively with team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Standing: The job requires prolonged periods of standing to operate the paste machine and perform various tasks throughout the shift.
2. Lifting: Operators must be capable of lifting ingredients and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, occasionally requiring the use of proper lifting techniques.
3. Manual Dexterity: The position involves tasks that demand precise hand-eye coordination, such as operating machinery, adjusting controls, and handling ingredients with care.
4. Repetitive Motions: Operators will frequently perform repetitive motions when operating equipment and conducting quality checks.
5. Bending and Reaching: The job may require bending, reaching, and stooping to access ingredients, equipment, and workstations.
6. Mobility: Physical mobility is essential to move around the manufacturing facility, including walking between workstations and navigating production areas.
7. Safety Awareness: A high level of awareness and adherence to safety guidelines is vital to ensure the safe and secure operation of equipment and to prevent workplace accidents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms.